Services & Resources
A-76 Competitive Sourcing
The Competitive Sourcing process is commonly referred to as “A-76”. This is the number on the circular published by Office of Management & Budget (OMB), which requires a cost comparison between public and private sources to perform commercial activities for the Federal government. The phases of this process are illustrated below with a brief description:
- FAIR Act Inventory: The annual requirement to identify the work performed by Federal employees as either commercial in nature or inherently governmental
- Preliminary Planning: The initial step to evaluate commercial functions for competition
- Study Announcement: Public notification of a competition for commercial services
- PWS or RD: A consolidated description of the commercial work to be performed by the winner of a competition
- Solicitation: Request for bidders to respond to a competition notice
- Agency Tender/Private Sector Bid/Market Research:
- Agency Tender: The Government’s response to a solicitation
- Private Sector Bid: A proposal by an outside entity to perform the work
- Market Research: An estimate to perform the work in the private sector
- Source Selection: The process of reviewing the bids/offers to a solicitation
- Performance Award: Determination and announcement of a winner to a competition
- Implementation: The activities necessary to go from the existing supplier to the new service provider
- Post Competition Accountability: The required activities following the start date of a new service provider to make sure the work is done accurately and within the established costs.
The Human Resources Advisors (HRA) assigned to the NIH Transition Center provide advisory services to various study teams carrying out the A-76 process. They serve as dedicated resources for managers and employees during all phases of the process, and remain actively involved through the formal transition period following a competition.
To find out more about the A-76 Competitive Sourcing process at NIH and ongoing studies, click here:
A-76 References and Resources:
- NIH Office of Management Assessment
- HHS Office of Competitive Sourcing: Office of Competitive Sourcing (OCS)
- OMB A-76 Circular (.pdf)
Employee & Manager Support Services
We encourage you to work with the NIH Transition Center as soon as you know that your work area will be undergoing organizational changes such as competitive sourcing or restructuring. If your position or employees under your supervision are being studied as part of the A-76 process, you can contact the Human Resource Advisor (HRA) that serves the study team. If the workplace change is related to other HHS or NIH-wide restructuring initiatives, you may contact the NIH Transition Center Director to find out what services may be available for you and/or your employees.
The Center provides services to effectively manage and minimize the effect of changes on the workforce and prepare both employees and managers for new expectations. Offerings include a range of individual and group services to help employees deal with the stress of restructuring activities, as well as assist managers in their leadership roles during these times of change. Making a connection with the Center sooner rather than later can help you prepare and overcome many challenges. Visit either of our convenient locations at Executive Plaza South (EPS) or on the Main NIH Campus.
Samples of NIH Transition Center services include:
One-on-One Sessions for Employees: Trained career specialists provide guidance and support throughout all stages of a reorganization process to help employees realize their potential and address options for managing change. Targeted support in these areas:
- Resume Review – Helping to create a resume from scratch, or updating an existing one
- Career Coaching – Providing the tools necessary to determine appropriate job positions
- Skills Assessment – Evaluating and recognizing individual skill challenges and strengths
- Job Search Strategies – Targeting new positions and assisting with online application
One-on-One Sessions for Managers: Professional consultations to assist supervisors in developing the skills and strategies to communicate effectively with their employees during periods of organizational change while continuing to oversee day-to-day activities.
Workshops and Briefings: Training and information to help the entire workforce proactively manage a variety of situations such as work/life planning and career transitions.
